Is it possible to keep the "Ctrl" button turned on without holding down the button?

Question

Any way in Windows 7 64-bit to keep the Ctrl key activated for a period of time without continuously pressing the key? I want to cut and paste several files at once but want to do it with just one hand. Don't ask why. LOL.

Solution 1

I assume Windows 7 still has sticky keys.

StickyKeys is an accessibility feature to help computer users who have physical disabilities... It essentially serializes keystrokes instead of pressing multiple keys at a time: StickyKeys allows the user to press and release a modifier key, such as Shift, Ctrl, Alt, or the Windows key, and have it remain active until any other key is pressed.

Just press shift 5 times in a row for a dialogue to enable.

Solution 2

You can try turning on checkboxes in Explorer. You can then click the checkboxes to select files.

Solution 3

How about this one. Purely one-hand solution. Requires a mouse.

• Start On-Screen Keyboard from windows accessibility package
• Click Ctrl in the on-screen keyboard
• Your Ctrl is not pressed and will remain in that state until you either click it again or click another non-modified key on the keyboard
• Click on all files you want to select
• Click C in the on-screen keyboard
• You have now performed your copy (Ctrl + C) and you Ctrl is now released
• Navigate to destination directory
• Right-click and paste (either via context menu, or by means of Ctrl + V on your on-screen keyboard)

Done!

Comments

[soandos]

Stickykeys is for shift.

[iglvzx]

To clarify, are looking for a function similar to CAPS LOCK, but for CTRL?

[verve]

Yes, like Caps.

[Thalys]

Not a proper answer, but get a keyboard or mouse you can code macros into - then you can set that key to do the same thing as ctrl - z, or even do a more complex sequence of keystrokes with one press.

[surfasb]

"... do it with just one hand. Don't ask why." -_-

[iglvzx]

Windows 7 does have StickyKeys. :)

[Admin]

I thought that OP would need to press it again for every file.

[verve]

I use Sticky Keys already but I have to press it each time before copying a file. Looking for a one press solution.

[verve]

But then I will have to check off each file with the mouse, right. Trying to avoid too much clickity-clackety. wink

[verve]

Very useful for a mouse-free experience. Thanks but right now I wabt a one hand solution.

[surfasb]

@verve: You can also use the Arrow Keys and then <kbd>Space</kbd> to check them off. It doesn't get much more hands free than this. Well short of Voice Commands.

[Pricey]

Oh you mean you want to ctrl+c a file, ctrl+c a second file, then ctrl+v paste both somewhere? If so, that's not the way the clipboard works. @surfasb has the best answer.